Asian markets were mixed Friday as traders grew concerned that talks on averting the US fiscal cliff remain deadlocked, while a Japanese survey showed confidence among businesses has slumped.

Currency investors continue to sell the yen in the last working day before Japan holds a general election on Sunday that is expected to see the ruling party ousted.

Tokyo fell 0.33 per cent, Hong Kong added 0.10 per cent, Shanghai rose 0.77 per cent and Sydney was 0.17 per cent higher, while Seoul eased 0.69 per cent.